Struggling to Follow the Guiding Soft Whisper

With the pool closed for a month of coughs & a chill in the air, I've spent several quiet leisurely afternoons refreshing my memory with some personal biblical character studies. To make reviews memorable, I began to write somewhat speculative essays. Of course, these are fictional as I often read between the lines to imagine what it must have been like when their Creator entered their daily lives and culture.
I tried to envision their emotions struggling often in conflict with desired godly obedience. My thoughts penned formulated imaginary conversations between their own heart and mind as I asked the question: "What would it have been like to have your day invaded by an Invisible Voice of the known Creator commanding an action contrary to your daily activities? I wondered what it must have been like for them to walk by faith and please God long before God's beautiful message of reconciliation had been accomplished through His Son.

We don't often stop and consider that OT characters walked daily 'by faith without all the benefits we've been given through Jesus Christ. What a task they had to look forward toward the Promise! How different from mine was their relationship with the Creator! (Col 3:10Nlt)
I believe there is such hidden treasure in the richness of their faith. When simple English translations say with very few words the immense encounters these heroes experienced with the Almighty, it's hard to grasp the overwhelming struggle they may have undergone! As we read "He obeyed immediately." or "so he went"... I'm not sure we stop to think of all the common issues, thoughts, arguments, challenges, possibilities with emotions that fleeted through the mind at such commands.

Imagine what it would be like even today to hear a Voice command "Go!" and then, try to explain our actions to others! It would be hard to put into words why one was obeying a heard invisible voice. To speculate any hesitancy, doubt, fear or even the amounts of arguments one had within or with family members makes me realize how deeply their faith in the Invisible God really had developed.     

Today, many testify the difficult emotional depths of struggle conflicting with their desire to know God's will. Simple commands given God's children arouse arguments between reason & obedience. Confronted with written commands, different opinions question the reality of the command in light of culture and comfort. Contemplating this struggle today makes the ancients' walk by faith even more astounding, I can't help but wonder how hard it must have been to strive to do what is right by pleasing God without the spiritual strength I'm offered today in Christ.

In the following essay, I've considered the inner questions and longings I might have whispered in prayer, especially questioning if I had really heard and grasped God's command correctly.
If I had heard God like elderly Aaron, I think it would have been difficult to tell others I needed to leave home to wander in the wilderness looking for my lost brother of 40 years. I'm sure apprehension and fear would have choked my thoughts as I left civilization to go into unknown territory. Explaining to leaders and slave taskmasters a need for a leave of absence to follow an invisible Voice would probably have been denied and mocked. My choice may have made it more difficult for others who didn't believe or understand how one can hear audible commands from the Creator. I would have struggled to help others understand the need to take a journey into the unknown. Through the writing of this essay, I've been quite surprised at how many parallels there are today for us as we choose to be God's obedient servants and follow His voice into our wilderness.
And just we must do, these characters stepped out in faith, expecting the Creator to show them the way, often one step at a time. They struggled to obey and had to make life decisions based on faith, just as I must do today. 

A Walk with Aaron. 

His brother had been gone for 40 years; maybe he was even dead, yet the soft whisper on the wind told him to leave Egypt and journey into the wilderness to meet his brother at the Mountain of God. Given no map, he simply knew he needed to go into the wilderness to meet his younger brother. He did not dare refuse. Leaving the quarries was one difficulty he faced but getting past his family's arguments challenged his determined spirit almost to breaking. He just had to go. They finally relented as if he was just an old man who had lost his mind and was leaving the village to face death alone.

As he left civilization to wander the desolate plain, he longed to hear that Voice calling to him again. He wished for verbal directions, something tangible, something specific. He knew he was being led. He could sense it and as he trudged the rough terrain, he had an undeniable peace of heart. He trudged on.
At long last, hope was fulfilled. Far off in the distance, he saw his brother coming toward him.
Their reunion was sweeter than he could have imagined. The lost years had not destroyed their relationship and easily lapsing into conversation restored their love as they walked together again. Retelling stories of their different childhoods and the filling in missing pieces of the past forty years were shared as they returned to Egypt.
So engrossed in conversation, their steps slowed as they neared their destiny. His younger brother told him about the burning bush where the Almighty Creator had spoken on holy ground. Hearing again the lost name of their Creator, YHWH, felt sweet on his whispered breath. He was flabbergasted when told that he was to become God's spokesman, assisting his brother in leading the people of God out of Egypt and slavery. Uncertainty pushed his fears to the surface. The task seemed impossible.
He mustered new courage to speak God's instructions as his brother relayed them to him and he was overwhelmed to witness the powerful fulfillment each time he spoke. He was learning in fresh experiences that YHWH's great power came in simple gestures of obedience.
He spoke. Moses acted. Each time, God's instructions flowed through the two men in word and deed. Each command was followed by Pharaoh mocking the Almighty's power, intensifying the miracles and the attacks on Egyptian worship of false gods.
At last, the night of darkness shook and destroyed Egypt's dreams.
Every first born was dead.
Dressed and ready to flee as instructed, he thought the people of God could not be ushered out of the country any faster. 
They were free.

But this old man of past slavery would learn that newfound freedom took on a variety of challenges with required responsibilities and severe consequences. 

Marking Another Year of Faithfulness

I think it is only fair to pause as one marks another year of activities fading into vague memories as quickly as a vapor.

In this leisure moment, I'm pausing to mark, journal & thank the Lord for another year that has passed. It has been an awesome year of Florida sunshine, poolside BBQ & picnics with laughter & great conversations, new friends & visitors, travel, grandchildren's school performances & successes to cheer, and moments of teaching God's ladies while serving the Lord alongside a faith community. This pause is filled with praise to my precious LORD Jesus for the all the good He has showered on my days. 

My personal trek with the living God began over 60 years ago with the words "for you" spoken by Jesus when explaining His choice to die in my place. I received Him as my Savior and He gave me the right to be called by His Name. I love what I recently found of just what God did for me in Romans 1:5-7.
Throughout my adult life I've become more and more aware of the depths those precious "for you" words actually mean to me. To know that my Creator wants "good" for me has given me more courage than I've even imagined. My life has been so full of adventures and the solid promises of good have been the anchor of security through both storms & peace. 

I'm constantly amazed how our faithful God declares Himself present in our lives. Just recently, Don & I traveled again to Wales to visit our younger daughter's family. It's been said often by those from the UK, so I'll just agree with them.
 "Wow! It's so beautiful!"
Our Creator God did really good with the formation of those beautiful rolling hills & flowery meadows, making a perfect dwelling place for some of his lowly wooly creatures. Yes... there are sheep everywhere!!
Psalm 23 came to my mind as I watched a shepherd climb the slope to his flock. 

Each time we visit, we have wonderful times exploring the surrounding Brecon Mountains and the valley communities. On one hike, we stood on a Brecon Summit, to gaze far off into the distance. The shadows of billowy clouds darkened further hills in an array of green tones. We enjoyed our restful Teatime in the Roundabout and wandered the pastureland, marveling at God's creation covering the immense landscape & amazing cloud formations outlining the sky. 
                                                                            

One Sunday afternoon on this recent holiday trip, we drove to a very high peak. The road was narrow, muddy and curving sharply. It was very challenging whenever we met an oncoming vehicle. Each driver inched slowly as close to the hedge as possible to barely squeak past each other. There were also some tense moments when our wheels spun icy patches, struggling to grasp gravel to slow us down.   
Because the wind was sharp, cold and intense, we spent the winter afternoon exploring mostly from the car. The girls climbed out once to run & play on the lush green bluff but quickly raced back to the car, weary of fighting the gusts challenging their strength. Even dressed in several layers, I huddled in the car, trying to keep warm.
The beauty spread below the bluff was breathtaking. It was most beautiful when the sun shone on the houses clustered in the valley. The countryside was dotted with hedges, marking off roads and farms. In the distance, we could see the ancient stone castle, a fortress during many historical enemy raids.  

During those moments in creation, I found it hard to describe my inner feelings. I've almost accepted the possibility that there may be no words for such poignant feelings. A whispered hint might be that I felt like my soul encountered the closeness of my inner Anchor's Presence. Within me, I've held tightly to Him, believing securely His declarations of love explained in Scriptures. I'm persuaded my Redeemer lives. I know I live in His Presence wherever I roam, but there on the mountain top, my physical world was enveloped by His Majesty. The moments were poignant, vivid, flamboyant, yet breathtakingly peaceful.

I am so blessed. As I contemplate other days of this passing year, I realize I've encountered His Presence in so many different places. He surrounds me with good. The squeezes of little arms embracing my weariness, the smiles in friendships, a well-written text greeting, and the camaraderie found while serving our community have been just a few of the moments. 

Returning to our Florida home, our heated pool wards off the winter blues while offering leisure afternoons to float in the sun, relaxed by listening to the broadcasting songs, hymns & spiritual songs. These have been times of inner refreshing as well as more quiet hours to read & study Scriptures while basking in the sunshine!
I also find great enjoyment comparing my treasure hunts with what others have excavated in their studies! How blessed we are to have the technology to hear several weekly sermons, take classes online, hear pods, or read other posts sharing individual studies! All of these have brought such joy and remind us daily that we live in His Presence. 
So, life continues to move on with so much promise of adventures in the Presence of our Living God. 

I pray for my family and friends to be very aware of where the Living God is making His appeal through his representatives and the marvelous gift of God's kindness. (2 Corinthians 5:17- 6:1). 
May each of us gratefully join Him in the message of reconciliation as we practice His Presence daily through 2026. 

Peace in Flight

 

As I settled in my seat for the transatlantic journey, I mumbled how long the flight might seem if the three-year-old girl's uncontrolled screaming continued. Whatever the little one wanted was being denied as both parents and grandmother tried to restrain her flailing limbs with a seatbelt. Failure to ignore the situation was obvious as each passenger squirmed uncomfortably in their tightened seatbelts. Some gently offered assistance and others held bribes of treats, but as the official announcement ordered the "prepare for take-off", all shrugged off to their assigned areas, leaving the parents to wrestle the uncontrolled and very loud protests. 

My inner frustration turned toward heaven as I prayed for peace. I prayed for the noise to stop. I grumbled my own prayer-filled words, selfishly begging for peace and comfort. My praying was no different than the little child's tantrum. Directed at heaven, my secret whispering actually spoke loudly in protest for what I wanted & thought I needed. I was whining for my own soothing and comfort!
An author, AW TOZER, wrote: "Don't allow yourself to become satisfied with shallow, self-centered praying. STAY with God in prayer until He leads you to pray at the level He wants." 
My practice of prayer needed a change! I asked the Lord to change my heart to stay with Him, learn His ways, be more like Him and want His desires. 

Earlier in the month, a friend had asked, "What makes a person holy?" Most believers know that God has told us to "be holy as He is holy"; but we don't often ask how one keeps being holy. I took this question frequently into my studies, desiring God's definition to keep His children holy so they could serve Him, the Living God.

Scriptures declare believers are God's holy people, His saints, His treasured children.

  The Holy Spirit "set apart" those God had called; (1 Peter 1:1).
    In 2 Co 1:12, there's the possibility to live in God-given holiness with a clear conscience.
    In Ephesians 1:4, God chose for us to be holy & without fault IN Christ.
    Colossians 1:2 defines God's holy people as "those who are faithful brothers & sisters in Christ." and in 1:13 says, "HE has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins." One of my favorite verses explains the results of reconciliation. Col 1:22 says, "HE has reconciled you to Himself... and brought you INTO HIS OWN PRESENCE and you are holy and blameless AS you stand before Him without a single fault."  
    The author of Hebrews explains that holiness is found only in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin.
Almost every NT book declares God's holy people, but for many, the "how" question lingers.
Is there something one does to stay holy in spite of daily activities?
How does holiness react to the interruption and discomfort of a noisy flight?
I know who I am in Christ, but in that flight, it was practicing a recent memory verse that taught me that holiness is marked by God's Presence. His Presence sets me apart.  
 

Moses was in dialog with God immediately following dealing with angry Israelites. He begged the Lord to continue to look favorably on them. He prayed, "Let me know your ways so that I may understand you more fully." His constant longing was to enjoy God's favor.
In Exodus 33:16, Moses voiced his new understanding: "For YOUR PRESENCE sets me & your people apart from all other people on the earth." (NLT)

As I know my God's ways, His promises become more defined and confident in my daily practices. He promised never to leave me nor forsake me. Knowing I am in His Presence, I practice living the reality of being set apart from all other people on the earth. My attitude and solutions to difficult moments become different. This is the difference we need to know.
His Presence makes me different.
As I grasp this truth, I imitate Him and want His desires to be my desires.

The noisy flight continued, but my prayers changed. I thanked God for His Presence & asked for His desires to become mine. I envisioned my Lord with me and began to ask His Presence to gently place His hand on the little one. I knew His Presence could soothe her. His touch could give her peace. I prayed His Peace for her parents and grandmother.

Then, my prayers enlarged. I asked His precious Presence, who offered His own life in sacrifice, to give them eternal life.
He could give them eternal peace. I began to pray for a family to have opportunities to hear the Gospel, to receive His mercy, and know His grace.
I prayed for each one to become children of righteousness who lived in His Presence. 

I stayed with God. The joy of praying for others on God's level filled my mind.
I lost track of time as I envisioned their salvation. I thanked the Lord for the privilege to pray God's will for them. As these thoughts thrilled my heart, I became aware that the plane had become peacefully quiet. 

I smiled. I believed the temporary peace was an answer for His future grace in this precious family. I understood His Presence set me and His people apart from all people on the earth SO THAT we could partner with His Son (1 CO 1:9) in the message of reconciliation.
Our message begins in prayer, asking His Presence to call out from us His Son's plea. His appeal to "Come back to God!" begins with our prayer for hearts to be opened. 

1 Corinthians 1:9 "God will do this, for He is faithful to do what he says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." NLT

COLORS SPEAK

 

Recently, I visited a BOOK FESTIVAL site where attempts to share the Gospel welcomed strangers into a WALKING EXPERIENCE using the colors depicted in the Wordless Book. Each room’s message used a Scriptural principle to describe the LIFE choices one makes and used meaningful COLORS to help the participants understand the choices that had been made.

 

Those who invited each participant to enter the tent gave them a sample craft with folding instructions to make their own wordless book. On the reverse side of the instructions, there were Bible verses for each color they would experience inside the tent. They were asked to observe all the items in each room through the spectrum of the room's choice colored light. At the end of their walking experience through the tent, there would be Survey Questions to help them recall what they had seen & an explanation of the Bible verses on the handout. 

Very interested, I sat nearby to watch.
The WALKING EXPERIENCE attracted many as friendly greeters conversed with those passing by, asking them if they would like to make a craft, have their young children’s faces painted by a visiting artist, or browse a table of free books. The tent entrance was large & inviting.

From my perch, I could see punching bags hanging from the ceiling in a BLACK Room.

My attention was drawn to a very young boy, tethered by a child protection leash. He attempted to enter the tent experience alone while his mother stood outside the entrance, distracted by tables of reading materials and culturally courteous in conversations. The pretentious freedom gave the little boy the ability to wander safely into the dark world of the black room, yet still be within view. Unconscious of danger, he was caught unaware by the wildly swinging punching bags. His small frame was buffeted from side to side. He staggered unsteadily as he pushed his way deeper into the room. Other children raced by him, wildly pushing the bags aside, knocking the little boy completely down. His stretched leash hindered his attempts to catch up to the others, but he was determined. He pushed & prodded, was knocked around, fell often, but continually, lifted himself up to try again.
He made very little progress.
I glanced over to the mom and noticed an older brother had caught up to his family.  He gazed inside the entrance and watched his little brother’s struggle, his determination, & the inevitable defeat. While his parent continued to talk, the old boy approached & unleashed the small lad & lifted him into his arms, shielding him from the buffeting bags. Together they walked deeper into the dark room.

I realized I had just envisioned a true picture of salvation.
I was born into this dark world with all its fearsome buffeting & hindering bags. Because of God’s great mercy, I was given parental tethering to protect my wanderings & help me find my way through life’s scary maze. As good as my parents were, they were often distracted by work, tradition, neighbors & many obligations. Often, even their own weaknesses hindered their protection.
Stretching my parental tethering, I began pushing my way into the darkness, following & imaging others who had raced ahead, buffeting me with many unavoidable bags hidden in the dark. Recalling my fears, I’m forever thankful for the tethering that blocked deeper progress into that darkness! I remember how quickly I grew weary as I was pushed, shoved, or was blocked & hindered by my own weak smallness to reach what I thought I wanted.
I made very little progress.

In mercy, God sent His Son, like a pure big brother in human flesh to rescue me. He knew my weaknesses, my ignorance, and He gave himself to feel all those distractions, the suffering & buffeting I had begun to experience. God’s beautiful Son reached down, answered parental prayers by drawing me into his own arms. Even in his powerful strength, my age required facing deeper steps into the darkness, but there were little hints constantly showing I was not alone. He held me tightly as each step took me further from safety, and memorized Scriptures assured a security of being held in his powerful arms as he pushed away the schemes of our enemy.
One day, He carried me into the RED ROOM where I personally heard the good news that God offered the dark world through His Son whom He had sent. This Son had suffered, been buffeted, freely bled & died on a cross, removing the darkness of the record of wrong done to a Holy God. I heard & understood that His precious sacrifice in that darkness was done “for me”.
I looked & saw the cross.

The Good News told me He had defeated my enemy in resurrected power & authority. Now, by His precious blood, I am cleansed & made holy so He can bring me Home. In overwhelming gratitude, I placed my own small hand in his wounded palm, thanking His patient love for all He has done for me. 

Ephesians 2:8,9 "For by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH. And this is not your own doing; it is the GIFT of GOD, not the result of works, so that no one may boast. WE are His workmanship, created IN Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Our WALK progress to date has been the precious time spent in the BLUE & WHITE ROOM of living in His Royal Presence. He is teaching me through Scriptures to trust His leadership to keep my heart spotless and pure as one of His royal daughters. 
Together, we are cultivating a beautiful garden of living within my heart's GREEN ROOM. Through experiences and fellowship of other believers, through books, classes, sermons and study, His Constant Presence is growing His Likeness within me.

He is faithfully guiding me to finish this walk experience together. I am so secure in His forever promise to never forsake me. I’ve only read about the GOLDEN ROOM, but it is my HOPE & joy to see it in all its glory when we arrive Home.

Throughout my journey with Him, I’m persuaded and know with certainty that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is my ever-present living REDEEMER.
His Presence has given me the security of knowing that I am right where I’ve always belonged.  

In Romans 1:5 NLT, we read "Through CHRIST, God has given us the privilege & authority as sent ones to TELL everyone everywhere what GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM, so that they will believe and obey Him, bringing glory to His Name." 

I truthfully hope that each one reading this recent memory of COLORS SPEAK will use the opportunity to share this good news with others. Let the COLORS tell what GOD HAS DONE FOR THEM. 
The following verses (6-7 NLT) give us what to tell them: 
YOU ARE INCLUDED in God's plan. 
YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED TO BELONG TO JESUS CHRIST.
YOU ARE LOVED BY GOD. 
YOU ARE CALLED TO BE HIS OWN HOLY PEOPLE.
"May God our Father and the LORD Jesus Christ give you GRACE & PEACE.

Opening JORDAN RIVER RULES

 

In September, I began a new vein to record on this “Climbing Vertical” adventurous trek through life’s mountains. I chose this trek with my heavenly Guide, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would continually remind me of what Jesus taught & teach me of things to come. I trust Him whenever we start a hike, I've asked Him to show me all He wants me to learn from these OT biblical accounts.
This new little side vein led me to a group of women and a devotional book, THE JORDAN RIVER RULES by Robert J Morgan. It may seem like a book review as I move through the chapters, but they're simply personal lessons that constantly spill over with enthusiasm & love for my sweet Savior. .
Each week, I’ve found the OT accounts for group discussions have deep crevices to solo explore, risky gauntlets to leap over, refreshing streams to rest beside, meadows to slow my pace, and shady trees to pause under while enjoying the fellowship of the Son and His faithful ones.
I hope many of my reading friends find these journaled exploits enjoyable

In these posts, I ask myself challenging questions as one who believes that all Christians have been called to be true representatives of the biblical God.. As such a believer, my deepest desire is to IMAGE Christ. (2 Co 3:18),
I have so much to learn which causes every devotional to become a study! How I beg my Guide for understanding & insight. Each theme leads into many topics which need a deeper grasp. I find an overwhelming desire to find more time to just linger with the Holy Spirit, reading Scriptures to find connections and understanding.
We're told in 1 Corinthians 10:11, studying OT accounts are vital because they were written FOR US as warnings and examples.. Because of this, my personal questions & thoughts reflect considerations in both aspects as I meditate on biblical accounts.

 

Our first visit together...

 Hi! Thank you for clicking on my blog...

I cannot tell you how much it means to me to hang out with friends & how I often I long to be introduced ot others, in hopes of developing new friendships.
It's so good to have you stop by!
I've been nick-named "Debi" by using my childhood initials - with an added i for 'internet'.
I began this blog in 2014, but in reviewing this page, I'm quite surprised that my surroundings have changed, but my favorite things remain strongly the same in describing my life. My surroundings now are more tropical with palm trees waving over a refreshing pool and a leisure lanai for visiting friends. 

I love the sweet fellowship gained by new friends & wish we could pass the afternoon with this pop-in today to become betteracquainted. To help you know me more, I'd invite you in for a cup of hot tea in one of my many teacups and we could sit on my patio.  I'd probably offer you some English shortbread or Malaysian "digestive biscuits". 
We would have so much to talk about and I would probably ask too many questions! I'd love to hear your stories & interests, especially, your relationship with God's Son, Jesus Christ, and the places He has led you on your life's trek through spiritual valleys & mountains.  

As we visited, I share my travels to visit my daughter's families in Indonesia, Malaysia, and busy NYC. My children invite us to visit their homes in the most beautiful, interesting, and exciting places. We've fallen in love to the warm climate of tropical islands with vast turquoise waters outlined by foamy waves on ocean beaches. We also love to share our visits we've made to stare high on the sky reaching aged with history architecture, and bustling streets with throngs of people rushing to & from their destinies. 
Our favorite memories we share with friends are the many times we just hang out with 7 wonderful grandchildren at their various activities, or our family times around the meal tables full of laughter. 

I probably would have one of my journals nearby & you'd see all the doodled edges on the various pages, visualizing my thoughts & understanding of what I've learned. They're my simple art attempts expanding my memory, which also extend into card making, and my collected photo memories in treasured scrapbooks 

I'd show you all my paper crafting tools and how much fun it has been to make simple Christmas tags and seasonal greeting cards. I'd show you samples of the bundles I made with friends as gifts to leave behind when we ventured into visitation and spend many sweet hours with precious shut-ins, filling many their lonely hours with a visit.  

Then, we'd probably wander into my hobby room where I would share my love for self-taught sewing, quilting, embroidery and cross stitching.
You would see all the bins, organized by project, lining the closet shelves & floor and know I had more hopes than a life-time to create beautiful things.
Most likely, you'd tell me there's no more need for me to shop for fabrics, patterns or notions!

In our conversation, I know I would mention that becoming a follower of Jesus Christ was the most important decision I made in my life., I'm most thankful for His sacrificial death as my Savior, nailing my account to His cross. I've made Him the Lord of all my decisions, and humbly bow my knee to worship Him in all I do. As we visit, I think you'd shortly realize that I love to proclaim His Grace and share His friendship often. My deep desire is for each of my loved ones to be reconciled to God through Christ & that we all would together be learning to be His followers. You'd hear how each day is an adventure because I know I walk in my King's covenant Presence. You'd probably notice my eyes often gaze toward the clouds, wondering when He will call His friends to join Him in his kingdom.

We would enjoy the season together, both the climate & stage of our lives.... 
If it's Spring, I'd excitedly point to new life in my Iris flower garden, while in summer, we could enjoy my shaded patio, surrounded by a rainbow of potted flowers. 
In Fall, we'd kick at a yardful of falling leaves, while gazing over the variety of color in a garden of mums. You'd probably guess my favorite season because the warm autumn shades of garnet red, and splashes of golden brown creep into every room of my home. 

        

So, please enjoy my journaling posts. 
I believe I'm on the most adventuous trek a life can choose. it is heavenward with the promised Holy Spirit as my Guide and the Scriptures as our manual.
I've enjoyed introducing myself and would love for you to use the comments to share your thoughts, activities, & studies with me.
I sincerely hope my post encourage your journey with the Lord and as you fix your eyes on Jesus, although we dimly see, His face becomes more and more reflected for others to see His grace.